As the country prepares for Freedom Day to finally arrive on July 19 three pubs on the market in villages near Swindon could make a good investment.

Social distancing, a ban on standing at the bar and limits on numbers are due to disappear – making running a pub a much more appealing opportunity.

The Inn With The Well at Ogbourne St George has been run by the same publicans since 1991 but their retirement means the pub is now for sale for £650,000.

Swindon Advertiser:

It comes with six letting rooms and agents Christies say there is also the possibility in the future to redevelop the site.

Hospitality director Nicholas Calfe said: “This is an opportunity for those looking for a lifestyle business by continuing to focus on the bed and breakfast side of the business with the assurance of having a property that potentially could be re-developed as residential flats and a house.”

In Minety The Vale of The White Horse Inn is also said by Christies to have development potential. It is on the market for £1.5 million and comes with grounds of more than an acre, a function room and large roof terrace seating up to 50 people.

Swindon Advertiser:

Mr Calfe said there is planning permission to create ten en-suite letting rooms.

He added: “The owner has been granted further permission to build a terrace of four three-bedroom houses and has also permission for two four-bedroom houses.

"These two plots are not included in the sale but could be available by separate negotiation.”

In Great Bedwyn The Three Tuns also has potential for expansion and is on the market for £650,000.

Swindon Advertiser:

The 18th century inn close to Savernake Forest and the Kennet and Avon Canal is the only pub in the village and was once the village bakery.

Mr Calfe said: “As a result of Covid-19 to provide more dining space, our clients decided to rent a marquee which has direct access into the rear restaurant area of the pub, this could be replaced subject to the normal planning consents, by a more permanent structure such as a conservatory which will increase capacity year round.”